Kevin Hassett, a name long familiar to those following U.S. economic policy, has emerged as the leading contender for the next Federal Reserve Chair, according to reports from Bloomberg, The Economic Times, and Business Insider. As of November 26, 2025, advisers and allies of former President Donald Trump have identified Hassett as the favorite for the role, a move that could signal a dramatic shift in how the central bank approaches interest rates, digital assets, and broader economic strategy.
Hassett’s ascent to the top of Trump’s shortlist comes at a pivotal moment for the Federal Reserve, with the institution facing mounting pressure to balance inflation, economic growth, and the increasingly prominent role of cryptocurrencies. Trump’s search for a new Fed Chair is reportedly nearing its conclusion, but as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked, “nobody actually knows what President Trump will do until he does it. Stay tuned!” (Bloomberg).
The stakes are high. The Federal Reserve Chair wields immense influence over the U.S. and global economies, setting the tone for monetary policy, managing inflation, and, in recent years, responding to the unpredictable forces of the digital asset market. Under Trump’s administration, Hassett has already played a critical role as Director of the National Economic Council (NEC), where he led the digital asset market working group and helped shape the administration’s comprehensive report on cryptocurrency regulation. This report addressed everything from stablecoins and tax policy to illicit finance, reflecting Hassett’s deep engagement with the evolving world of digital assets (Business Insider).
Hassett’s experience is not limited to digital currencies. He previously chaired the Council of Economic Advisers from 2017 to 2019 and was reinstated as a senior adviser during the pandemic to help steer data-driven policy decisions. Within the White House, he’s been a central figure in debates over taxation, trade, deregulation, and pandemic management, regularly appearing on television and briefing the public on key economic issues (Times Now).
What sets Hassett apart, and what makes him so appealing to Trump’s inner circle, is his unwavering support for lower interest rates. Trump has long been a vocal critic of the Federal Reserve’s approach under current Chair Jerome Powell, repeatedly urging the central bank to cut rates more aggressively. Trump once called Powell “too late” in reducing borrowing costs and even considered firing him at one point (Bloomberg). The president’s frustration with the Fed’s perceived sluggishness has been well documented, stretching from dissatisfaction over renovations at the central bank’s campus to ongoing litigation over the attempted removal of Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
Hassett has made his position on interest rates crystal clear. On November 20, 2025, he told Fox News, “I would be cutting rates right now” if he were running the Fed, arguing that “the data suggests that we should.” This public stance mirrors Trump’s long-standing preference for aggressive rate cuts and reinforces why advisers believe Hassett is the leading candidate for the job (Fox News via Bloomberg). Hassett has also criticized the Fed for failing to contain inflation in the aftermath of the pandemic, another point of alignment with Trump’s economic grievances.
Hassett’s candidacy is not without controversy. In June 2025, he disclosed a $1 million investment in Coinbase, one of the largest U.S. crypto exchanges. This financial tie, coupled with his leadership in the digital assets working group, has drawn scrutiny from both supporters and critics. Some see his crypto expertise as a valuable asset in a rapidly digitizing financial world, while others question whether such investments could present conflicts of interest (Business Insider).
Still, Trump’s advisers argue that Hassett’s background makes him uniquely qualified to bring the administration’s stance on digital assets to the Federal Reserve. With cryptocurrencies playing an ever-larger role in global finance, having someone with Hassett’s experience at the helm could pave the way for a more integrated approach to digital currencies within the U.S. financial system (Business Insider).
Beyond digital assets and interest rates, Hassett’s broader economic philosophy also aligns closely with Trump’s previous policies. According to Business Insider, Hassett supports fiscal expansion, tax cuts, and deregulation—hallmarks of Trump-era economic strategy. Market analysts, meanwhile, are watching closely to see whether a Hassett-led Fed would foster optimism or instability, especially if aggressive policies risk fueling inflation during a period of slower global growth.
The financial markets are already reacting to the possibility of a Hassett nomination. Investors are speculating about how his leadership might affect the U.S. dollar, interest rates, and overall market stability. Some believe that lower rates could attract foreign investment and strengthen the dollar, while others worry about the potential for short-term inflation pressures.
Despite Hassett’s status as the frontrunner, nothing is set in stone. The final decision rests with Trump, who is known for his unpredictability. As Bloomberg noted, officials familiar with the process caution that the ultimate choice will not be known until Trump makes a formal announcement. Even then, the nomination must pass through the Senate, where political dynamics could influence the outcome. If confirmed, Hassett would serve a 14-year term as Fed Chair, granting him a rare opportunity to shape U.S. financial policy for more than a decade (Business Insider).
Hassett’s credentials extend beyond the White House. He has advised several Republican presidential campaigns, including those of John McCain, George W. Bush, and Mitt Romney. He currently serves as Vice President at the Lindsey Group, a visiting distinguished fellow at the Hoover Institution, an economic contributor for CNN, and a senior adviser to Capital Matters at National Review (Times Now).
As the search for the next Federal Reserve Chair enters its final weeks, all eyes remain on Kevin Hassett. His potential appointment signals not only a shift in monetary policy but also a broader realignment of U.S. economic strategy—one that could have far-reaching consequences for markets, investors, and everyday Americans alike. Whether or not Trump ultimately taps Hassett for the job, the debate over the future direction of the Fed—and the role of digital assets in that future—is sure to intensify in the days ahead.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Hassett’s blend of experience, policy alignment, and digital asset expertise will be enough to secure him the most powerful economic post in the nation.
